World’s first Fish City calls on more businesses to get involved

Bournemouth and Poole are the first towns in the world to have achieved Sustainable Fish City status. Some of the most important and iconic caterers and restaurants have committed to serving only verifiably sustainable fish, impacting on more than 3.6 million fish meals a year throughout the towns.

The campaign, run by the Sustainable Food City Partnership has been asking businesses and organisations across the two towns to make a pledge and commit to only using sustainably sourced fish in their menus. Despite hot competition from a number of other cities across the UK Bournemouth and Poole has become the first to receive the prestigious five star Sustainable Fish City award.

The institutions involved include nearly all primary schools, leisure centres, theatres, Bournemouth Pavilion, large workplace restaurants, Bournemouth University, all major hospitals and some of the most iconic and best-loved restaurants including the Highcliff Marriot Hotel and A.F.C. Bournemouth. It is a truly extraordinary achievement which will have a huge impact on the local and national supply chain for fish.

Sarah Watson, Manager of the Sustainable Food City Partnership for Bournemouth and Poole said: “We were determined that Bournemouth and Poole would be the first area to achieve this award. We not only have some of the best places to eat out in the country but we also have an important fishing industry around Poole Quay which is a significant part of our local culture. We want to thank everyone who has pledged so far and are really looking forward to celebrating this achievement with the community this summer. We are now calling on any Bournemouth and Poole businesses that have not pledged yet to get involved to make this achievement even bigger.”